NAN-H-35
Sacrifice
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, Dec. 18, 2016 (NAN) Mr Ralph Asekhome, the Zone 5 Coordinator of the Special Marshal Unit of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has urged operatives in the zone to gear up for greater sacrifices during the yuletide week.
Asekhome, who made this call on Sunday while addressing members of the Edo Sector of the Special Marshals in Benin, also urged them to increase patrol operations on the roads.
According to him, this is a very busy period on the roads, they should rather concentrate more on enlightenment rather than enforcement to make the roads free from heavy traffic.
He also reminded the Special Marshals of their constitutional role of ensuring safer roads for all, especially during this festive period.
“There is nothing so special in Christmas but the attitude of our people makes it to appear as if there is something else in it.
The roads will be very busy because a lot of our brothers and sisters will want to move from their locations to go and see their loved ones. Our duty is to make sure that the roads are safe for them.
“You are all aware that we have a very critical corridor in our zone, the Benin/Asaba/Onitsha expressway.
“So, let us try to be on the roads at this period. This is a time that calls for greater sacrifice, so that the roads will be free for your brothers and sisters.
“Special Marshals are to complement the efforts of the Regular Marshals. “For us to live up to expectation, please let us be on the roads. This is not the time to book traffic offenders.
“This is the time to make the roads free for your brothers and sisters, who are travelling, so that they can get to their destinations on time. Booking should be the last resort,’’ he advised.
Asekhome therefore urged his operatives to use wisdom and maturity and to be polite when dealing with arrogant motorists.
Earlier, Mr Friday Ekhator, the Coordinator of Edo Sector of Special Marshals, disclosed that no fewer than 900 personnel would be deployed in different routes between Dec. 19 and Jan. 11.
Ekhator urged the the Special Marshals to refrain from any acts of misconduct that are likely to dent the image of the corps, even as he thanked them for their sacrifice and selfless service to humanity. (NAN)
The zone is comprised of Edo, Delta and Anambra.
KOO/YEMI
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Yemi Idris-Aduloju